Description

There are many reasons why it might seem unwise to walk, mostly alone, through the Middle East. That, in part, is exactly why Leon McCarron did it.From Jerusalem, McCarron followed a series of wild hiking trails that trace ancient trading and pilgrimage routes and traverse some of the most contested landscapes in the world. In the West Bank, he met families struggling to lead normal lives amidst political turmoil and had a surreal encounter with the world’s oldest and smallest religious sect. In Jordan, he visited the ruins of Hellenic citadels and trekked through the legendary Wadi Rum. His journey culminated in the vast deserts of the Sinai, home to Bedouin tribes and haunted by the ghosts of Biblical history. The Land Beyond is a journey through time, from the quagmire of current geopolitics to the original ideals of the faithful, through the layers of history, culture and religion that have shaped the Holy Land. But at its heart, it is the story of people, not politics and of the connections that can bridge seemingly insurmountable barriers.

Publisher Review

"A marvellous adventure and an impressive feat of endurance. This is also a journey that explores the people and landscapes of a misunderstood part of the world with great insight and enthusiasm."--Sir Ranulph Fiennes "It sounds like a fascinating journey, in Jordan visiting the Hellenic citadels and trekking through Wadi Rum, then tackling the vast deserts of Sinai. Through the conversations and encounters he has along the way, he discovers more about the region's rich history, uncertain present, and its myriad faiths and people." -- (10/02/2017) "Enlightening, engaging and a must read for anyone interested in this area of the world." --Fiona Richards, Timeless Travels Magazine, October 2017